Multicomponent packaging with static micromixer

ABSTRACT

The packaging system has two storage chambers for separately storing two components and a static micromixer for mixing them to prepare a formulation. The static micromixer is provided with plural disks ( 1 ) arranged in a stack. Each disk ( 1 ) has at least one inlet opening ( 2 ) for a feed stream, which is connected via a linking channel ( 3 ) with at least one outlet opening ( 4 ) for outflow of the feed stream into a mixing zone ( 5 ). The linking channel ( 3 ) is divided into two or more part channels ( 7 ) by microstructure units ( 6 ). Each part channel has a respective width that is smaller than a width of the mixing zone ( 5 ). A method of in-situ preparation of a formulation by mixing the components in the packaging system is also described.

The object of the invention is a packaging system with at least twoseparate storage chambers for in-situ preparation of formulations withat least two constituents that must be kept separated until they areused and with an integrated static micromixer with special disk-shapedmixer components.

With application products consisting of several substances, there oftenexists the risk that the products are not stable over a longer period oftime, because some of the ingredients can undergo undesirable reactionswith one another. For this reason, the products contain the most varriedadditives. The additives have the drawback that they make the productmore expensive, that they can affect the application properties in anundesirable manner and, in particular, that they can cause side effects.To avoid these problems, the products can be offered in the form ofmulticomponent preparations wherein the incompatible ingredients arekept in different components which are mixed only just before use.Multicomponent preparations are also used in other applications forwhich suitable derivatives or precursors of the actual activeingredients are contained in a first formulation, and the activeingredients are released or formed only after said first formulation ismixed with a second formulation. Such applications are, for example, thedelayed release or formation of pharmaceutical or cosmetic activeingredients, the formation of oxidation hair dyes from dye precursorsand oxidants or the delayed curing of adhesives or trowellingcompositions after the addition of appropriate curing agents.

For use, multicomponent preparations are often dispensed from separatedpackages or separated storage chambers of a single package and thenmixed by shaking or manual agitation. Another possibility consists ofconveying the separate formulations to a common dispensing openingthrough a suitable conveying system provided with appropriate means formixing the components. These systems often present the drawback that thequality, consistency or efficacy of the mixture is unsatisfactory. Inthe case of viscous media, nonhomogeneities can arise and in the case ofliquid, nonviscous media, in particular, the formation of finelydispersed mixtures such as emulsions or microemulsions is often notpossible.

WO 00/54890, WO 00/54735 and SÖFW-Journal 128, vol. 11-2002, page 55,describe the use of static micromixers for in-situ mixing of cosmetic orpharmaceutical formulations just before use. The micromixer systems tobe used are described in DE 195 11 603 (WO 96/30113), DE 197 46 583 (WO99/20379), DE 197 46 584 (WO 99/20382), DE 197 46 585 (WO 99/20906) andDE 198 54 096 (WO 60/31422). The mixing process is based on guiding thecomponents through repeatedly intersecting channels and subjecting saidcomponents to multiple shearing conditions of the communicating channelsin the micromixer. Here, the difference in viscosity of the media to bemixed is critical: the greater this difference the worse is theemulsification process. In particular, it is difficult to obtain goodemulsions when viscous oils are used. The described mixing systems haverelatively long mixing paths in which, in the resting position, theincompletely or partly mixed constituents remain, which in case ofincompatibilities of the constituents is disadvantageous. Moreover, therelatively long micro-channels cause a relatively high pressure dropwhich must be compensated for by use of increased forces for theconveying of the constituents through the mixing system.

It is therefore desirable to provide additional, particularly improvedsystems for mixing two or more constituents just before use.

This objective is reached by way of a packaging system with at least twoseparate storage chambers for in-situ preparation of formulationsconsisting of at least two constituents that must be kept separated fromone another until they are used. The packaging system is provided withat least one static micromixer containing at least one component in theform of a disk and wherein the disk

-   has at least one inlet opening for the inflow of at least one feed    stream into a linking channel disposed in the plane of the disk and    at least one outlet opening for the outflow of the feed stream into    a mixing zone disposed in the plane of the disk,    -   wherein the inlet opening is linked with the outlet openings in        a communicating manner by a linking channel disposed in the        plane of the disk and    -   wherein the linking channel before entering the mixing zone is        divided by microstructure units into two or more part channels,        the widths of the part channels being in the millimeter to        submillimeter range and being smaller than the width of the        mixing zone (5).

In the following, by the term “fluid” is meant a gaseous or liquidsubstance or a mixture of such substances that contains one or moredissolved or dispersed solid, liquid or gaseous substances. The term“mixing” comprises the processes of dissolving, dispersing andemulsifying. Hence, the term “mixture” comprises solutions,liquid-liquid emulsions, gas-liquid emulsions and solid-liquiddispersions.

The term “part channels” also includes division of the feed stream intopart streams by built-in microstructure parts just before the outflow ofsaid feed stream into the mixing zone. The dimensions, particularly thelengths and widths of these built-in parts, can be in the range ofmillimeters or preferably smaller than 1 mm. The part channels arepreferably shortened to the length that is absolutely needed for flowcontrol and, hence, for a certain throughput they require relatively lowpressures. The part channels preferably do not intersect. Thelength-to-width ratio of the part channels is preferably in the rangefrom 1:1 to 20:1, particularly from 8:1 to 12:1, and most preferablyabout 10:1. The built-in microstructure parts are preferably configuredin such a way that the flow rate of the feed stream at the outlet intothe mixing zone is greater than at the inlet into the linking channeland preferably also greater than the flow rate of the product streamthrough the mixing zone.

The linking channels and part channels disposed on the disks can beprovided in free form. The disks as well as each channel disposedthereon can vary in height, width and thickness so that they are alsoable to convey different media and different quantities. The basic shapeof the disks can be of any desired kind. For example it can be round,for example circular, or else elliptical or angular, for examplerectangular or square. The disk shape can also be optimized in terms ofsimple fabrication or in terms of minimum weight or minimum unusedsurface. The outlets of the part channels can be arranged in any desiredmanner from a straight line to any geometric form. For example, theoutlet openings can be arranged on a circular line, particularly whenthe mixing zone is completely enclosed by the disk plane. Two or morethan two constituents (A, B, C etc) can be conveyed in a disk and mixedin identical or different quantitative ratios. The part channels can bedisposed at any angle to each other or relative to the line on which theoutlets into the mixing zone are disposed. Several part channels, eachconveying, for example, constituent A, can be arranged side by side, andin the adjacent section of the same disk there can be arranged side byside several part channels conveying, for example, constituent B. Theconstituents can, however, by means of additional through-holes andadditional part channels, be configured so that constituents A, B etcalternate from part channel to part channel in the same disk.

At their entrance to the mixing zone, the part channels preferably havea width in the range from 1 μm to 2 mm and a depth in the range from 10μm to 10 mm and most preferably a width in the range from 5 μm to 250 μmand a depth in the range from 250 μm to 5 mm.

The linking channel can have a variable width. Preferably, the ratio ofthe greatest width of the linking channel and/or the width of the inletopening to the width of the part channels at their outlet into themixing zone is greater than 2 and most preferably greater than 5. Theratio of the width of the mixing zone to the width of the part channelsis preferably greater than 2 and most preferably greater than 5.

The disk-shaped components can be from 10 to 1000 μm thick. The heightof the channels is preferably less than 1000 μm and most preferably lessthan 250 μm. The wall thickness of the built-in microstructurecomponents and of the channel bottom is preferably less than 100 μm andmost preferably less than 70 μm.

In a particular embodiment, at least one of the inlet or outlet openingsor the mixing zone is completely enclosed by the plane of the disk. Inthis case, the openings are in the form of, for example, round orangular, for example rectangular, recesses. In the case of an enclosedmixing zone, the elliptical or circular shape is preferred. The partchannels can taper off in the form of nozzles in the direction of themixing zone. The part channels can be linear or bent in the shape of aspiral. The part channels can enter into the mixing zone at a rightangle relative to the circumferential line of the mixing zone or at anangle different from 90°. When, in the event that the angle is differentfrom a right angle, a stack of several mixing disks is formed, the diskswith opposite deviation from a right angle are adjacent to each other.Similarly, in the event that the course of the part channels isspiral-shaped, when a stack is formed from several mixing disks, thendisks with oppositely oriented direction of spiral rotation arepreferably adjacent to each other.

The linking channel between the openings is preferably formed by anindentation. The inlet opening and/or outlet opening or the mixing zone,however, can also be disposed at the edge of the disk or be in the formof recesses at the edge of the disk.

In another particular embodiment, there are present at least two inletopenings for at least two different feed streams, each inlet openingbeing connected with the mixing zone through a linking channel. In thiscase, there are preferably two outlet openings for two different feedstreams on opposite sides of the mixing zone, the mixing zone preferablybeing in a position completely enclosed within the disk plane.

Suitable materials of construction for the components are, for example,metals, particularly corrosion-resistant metals, such as, for example,stainless steel, as well as glasses, ceramic materials or plasticmaterials. The components can be fabricated by techniques for producingmicrostructures on surfaces, techniques that in and of themselves areknown, for example by etching or milling of metals or by embossing orinjection-molding of plastics

The static micromixer to be used according to the invention has ahousing with at least 2 inlets for fluids and at least one outlet forfluids. In the housing are located at one or least two disk-shapedmicromixer components arranged in a stack. Stacks can be formed from anynumber of disks, permitting a flow-through commensurate with the heightof the stack. To ensure the same pressure throughout the mixer, in thecase of greater lengths the fluid can be introduced at several points.Grooves or ribs in or on the disks can be used for the purpose ofstacking and aligning. The disks are superposed on one another so thatthe inlet openings form subsidiary channels for introducing a particularfeed stream and the outlet openings or the mixing zones together form amain channel for removing the product stream, the main channels andsubsidiary channels extending through the stack. When the inlet openingsare disposed as recesses at the edge of the disk, the housing wall canfom the outwardly terminating part of the wall of a subsidiary channel.When the mixing zone is disposed as a recess at the edge of the disk,the housing wall can form the outwardly terminating part of the wall ofthe main channel. Overall, a micromixer can have, for example, at least5, 10, 100 or even more than 1000 part channels and consist of a stackof disks having several part channels.

The packaging system has an appropriate arrangement for conveying theseparately kept constituents through the micromixer. This could be apumping arrangement actuated manually or electrically. Arrangementsactuated by propellants or by pressure, however, are also possible.

Preferably, each part stream of a first feed A flowing from an outletopening of a disk into the mixing zone is directly adjacent to a partstream of a second feed B flowing from an outlet opening of an adjacentdisk into the mixing zone. In the mixing zone, the mixing takes place bydiffusion and/or turbulence.

In another embodiment of the micromixer, the linking channels of thedisks are formed by indentations. Before they end in the mixing zone,the linking channels are divided into part channels by microstructureunits disposed on the disks. In an alternative embodiment, the linkingchannels of the disks are formed as recesses in the disks, the disksbeing arranged as intermediate disks between a cover disk and a bottomdisk, and the linking channels, before opening into the mixing zone,being divided into part channels by microstructure units disposed on thecover disk and/or bottom disk.

The object of the invention is also an in-situ process for producingformulations consisting of at least two, preferably fluid, constituentsjust before use. At least two preferably fluid feeding streams that atfirst are kept separated are mixed with one another, the mixing beingperformed by use of at least one of the afore-described components ofthe invention, the static micromixer or packaging systems. Here, theflow rate of the feeding stream or feeding streams into the mixing zoneis greater than the flow rate of the product mixture within the mixingzone. Particularly preferred are mixer configurations and flow ratesgiving rise to turbulence in the mixing zone, the mixing in the mixingzone being induced at least in part by turbulence.

The mixing process of the invention comprises, in particular, alsohomogenization processes, processes for the production of dispersions,emulsions or solutions as well as for the gassing or foaming of liquids.To this end, a continuous liquid phase is mixed with at least oneinsoluble fluid phase that is to be dispersed or with at least onesoluble fluid phase by use of at least one component of the invention orof a static micromixer of the invention. The two phases can either beintroduced through different subsidiary channels or one phase(preferably the continuous phase) is introduced through the main channeland the second phase through a subsidiary channel.

A particular embodiment relates to a process for mixing chemicallyreactive constituents whereby

-   at least two fluid feed streams which at first are kept separated    and which contain or consist of reactive constituents are mixed with    one another and whereby-   during or after the mixing a chemical reaction between the    constituents takes place spontaneously or is induced by supplying    energy or by a suitable catalyst and whereby-   the mixing is carried out by use of at least one component of the    invention or at least one static micromixer of the invention.

To increase the capacity of the process of the invention, the number ofchannels in the disks can be increased or the number of the diskssuperposed on one another in a micromixer can be increased or two ormore micromixers can be connected in series one after the other or inparallel next to each other. It is particularly advantageous if in thiscase a rough premix is made with a micromixer having large channeldiameters and then with micromixers having increasingly smaller channeldiameters.

In a particular embodiment, at least one of the packaging parts for theindividual constituents is separately exchangeable. In this manner, theuser can combine individually different active ingredient compositions.When a first constituent is not perfumed, it is possible, for example,by exchange of a second, perfumed constituent, to create in simplemanner individual product scenting that is adapted to individualrequirements.

In the following, exemplary embodiment of the components and micromixersof the invention will be explained by reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 a-b shows mixing disks with two inlet openings for two feedstreams and wherein the inlet openings and outlet openings are enclosed,

FIG. 1 c shows a mixing disk with a single inlet opening and wherein theinlet opening and outlet opening are enclosed,

FIG. 1 d shows a mixing disk wherein the inlet opening, flow-throughopening and outlet opening are enclosed,

FIG. 2 a-c shows mixing disks with three inlet openings for up to threedifferent feed streams and wherein the inlet openings and outletopenings are enclosed,

FIG. 3 a-b shows mixing disks with two inlet openings at the edge of thedisk for two feed streams and with an enclosed outlet opening,

FIG. 3 c-d shows mixing disks with four inlet openings at the edge ofthe disk for up to four different feed streams and with an enclosedoutlet opening,

FIG. 4 a-f shows mixing disks each with an enclosed inlet opening andflow-through opening for two feed streams and an outlet opening at theedge of the disk,

FIG. 5 a-b shows mixing disks each with one enclosed inlet opening andtwo enclosed flow-through openings for up to three different feedstreams and an outlet opening at the edge of the disk,

FIG. 6 a shows a longitudinal section of the schematic structure of astatic micromixer,

FIG. 6 b shows a mixing disk in an open housing,

FIG. 7 a-b shows mixing disks with enclosed inlet openings andflow-through openings and additional part channels, wherein differentfeed streams can flow through adjacent part channels,

FIG. 8 a,c shows mixing disks with enclosed inlet openings andflow-through openings and additional part channels, wherein differentfeed streams can flow through adjacent part channels,

FIG. 8 b shows a mixing disk with an enclosed inlet opening, threeenclosed flow-through openings and additional part channels, whereindifferent feed streams can flow through adjacent part channels,

FIG. 9 shows a micromixer with a housing and a stack of several mixingdisks, and

FIG. 10 shows cross-sections through stacks of mixing disks with themolded element closing the mixing zone.

One embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b. The disks (1) eachhave two enclosed inlet openings (2). Each inlet opening (2) isconnected with one linking channel (3) formed by an indentation in theplane of the disk. By a multiplicity of microstructure units (6), eachlinking channel (3) is divided into a multiplicity of part channels (7).Through the outlet openings (4), the part channels (7) open into anenclosed mixing zone (5). The outlet openings (4) are arranged on acircular line around the mixing zone (5). The mixing zone (5) and theinlet openings (2) are formed as through-holes in the disks. Themicrostructure units are bent, for example, in the form of spirals, thespirals in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b having an opposite sense of rotation.The microstructures units, however, can also be linear or unbent. Whenthe disks are round, they preferably have recesses (8) at the edge whichcan cooperate with fixing elements (14) in a housing (11) to preventtorsion or slipping of the disks. The disks, however, can also beangular, preferably quadrangular, for example in the shape of a square.In this case, the recesses and fixing elements may be omitted. Throughthe two inlet openings (2) two different feed streams can be introducedinto the mixing zone (5) in one plane, the two outlet openingscorresponding to the two different feed streams preferably beingdisposed opposite each other. A micromixer preferably has a stack ofseveral components superposed on one another, with disks of the kindshown in FIG. 1 a alternating with disks of the kind shown in FIG. 1 band giving rise to an arrangement consisting of an alternating layerstructure ABAB etc. In this manner, two different feed streams can befed to the mixing zone (5) directly adjacent and over and under oneanother. In the stack, the disks are superposed on one another in such away that the inlet openings form subsidiary channels for introducing aparticular feed stream, and the mixing zones form a main channel forremoving the product stream. A fluid which later will constitute thecontinuous phase of the mixture, however, can also be introduced throughthe main channel.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 c. The disk (1) has a singleenclosed inlet opening (2) which is connected with a linking channel (3)formed by an indentation in the disk plane. The linking channel (3) isdivided by a multiplicity of microstructure units (6) into amultiplicity of part channels (7). The part channels (7) open throughthe outlet openings (4) into the mixing zone (5). The outlet openings(4) are arranged on a circular line around the mixing zone (5). Themixing zone (5) and the inlet opening (2) are configured asthrough-holes in the disk. The microstructure units are bent, forexample, in the shape of a spiral. The microstructure units, however,can also be linear, unbent or have any other geometric shape. Amicromixer preferably has a stack of several components superposed onone another. In the stack, the disks are disposed above one another in amanner such that the inlet openings form a subsidiary channel forintroducing a feed stream, and the mixing zones form a main channel forremoving the product stream. Through the main channel can be introducedone of the constituents to be mixed, preferably the fluid which laterwill form the continuous phase of the mixture. This embodiment isparticularly well suited, for example, for gassing liquids, foamingliquids with a gas or preparing dispersions. To this end, the liquid tobe treated with the gas or the dispersing medium is introduced throughthe central main channel and the gas or the substance to be dispersed isintroduced through the subsidiary channel. Advantageously, the stack ofdisks can be configured as an alternating layer structure wherein diskswith spiral-shaped microstructure units (6) of opposite sense ofrotation are alternately disposed one above the other. It is alsopossible to use only a single type of disk. The microstructure units arethen preferably linear and shaped so that the part channels formnozzles.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 d. The disk (1) has an enclosedinlet opening (2), an enclosed mixing zone (5) and an enclosedflow-through opening (9). The inlet opening (2) is connected with alinking channel (3) formed by an indentation in the disk plane, whichchannel by a multiplicity of microstructure units (6) is divided into amultiplicity of part channels (7). The part channels (7) open throughthe outlet openings (4) into the mixing zone (5). The outlet openings(4) are arranged on a circular line around the mixing zone (5). Themixing zone (5), inlet opening (2) and flow-through opening (9) areconfigured as through-holes in the disk. The microstructure units are,for example, bent in the form of spirals. The microstructures units,however, can also be linear, unbent or have any other geometric shape.With additional built-in components (10) in the linking channel, theflow conditions in the linking channel (3) can be optimized. When thedisks are round, they preferably have at their edge recesses (8) thatcan cooperate with fixing elements (14) in a housing (11) to preventtwisting or slipping of the disks. A micromixer preferably has a stackof several components of the kind shown in FIG. 1 d and disposed aboveone another alter-nately twisted by 180°. In this manner, two differentfeed streams can be introduced into the mixing zone (5) directlyadjacent above and under one another. In the stack, the disks aresuperposed on one another in a manner such that the inlet openings (2)and the flow-through openings (9) alternate and form two subsidiarychannels for introducing two feed streams, the mixing zones forming amain channel for removing the product stream. A fluid that later willconstitute the continuous phase of the mixture, however, can also beintroduced through the main channel. Advantageously, the stack of diskscan have a configuration with an alternating layer structure whereindisks with spiral-shaped microstructure units (6) of opposite sense ofrotation are disposed alternately one above the other. A single type ofdisk, however, can also be used. The microstructure units are preferablylinear and configured in such a way that the part channels form nozzles.

FIGS. 2 a to 2 c show another embodiment. Each of the disks (1) hasthree enclosed inlet openings (2). Each inlet opening (2) is connectedwith a linking channel (3) formed by an indentation in the plane of thedisk. Each linking channel (3) is divided by at least one microstructureunit (6) into at least two part channels (7). By means of a largernumber of microstructure units, division into a higher number of partchannels can be achieved. Through the outlet openings (4), the partchannels (7) open into the mixing zone (5). The outlet openings (4) arearranged on a circular line around the mixing zone (5). The mixing zone(5) and the inlet openings (2) are configured as through-holes in thedisks. The microstructure units can be in the form of spirals having adifferent sense of rotation or they can be linear. Through the threeinlet openings (2), equal feed streams or up to three different feedstreams can be introduced into the mixing zone (5) in one plane. Amicromixer preferably has a stack of several components disposed oneabove another wherein different types of disks as shown in FIGS. 2 a, 2b and 2 c alternate forming an alternating layer structure, for exampleABCABC. In this manner, two different feed streams can be introducedinto the mixing zone (5) directly adjacent and over and under oneanother. In the stack, the disks are disposed above one another so thatthe inlet openings form subsidiary channels for introducing a particularfeed stream, and the mixing zones form a main channel for removing theproduct stream. A fluid which later will constitute the continuous phaseof the mixture, however, can also be introduced through the mainchannel.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b. The disks (1) eachhave two inlet openings positioned at the edge of the disk. Each inletopening (2) is connected with a linking channel (3) formed by anindentation in the plane of the disk. Each linking channel (3) isdivided by a multiplicity of microstructure units (6) into amultiplicity of part channels (7). Through the outlet openings (4), thepart channels (7) open into an enclosed mixing zone (5). The outletopenings (4) are arranged on a straight line. The mixing zone (5) isconfigured, for example, as a rectangular through-hole in the disks. Themicrostructure units are disposed, for example, at an angle to thedirection of flow, the inclinations in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. extending inopposite directions. The microstructure units, however, can also havethe same inclination or no inclination at all. The disks have anapproximately quadrangular basic shape, but they can also have any otherbasic geometric shape (angular, round, elliptical etc). Through the twoinlet openings (2), two different feed streams can be introduced intothe mixing zone (5) in one plane, with the two outlet openings for thetwo different feed streams preferably disposed opposite each other. Amicromixer preferably has a stack of several components disposed aboveone another, the disks of the kind shown in FIG. 3 a alternating withdisks of the kind shown in FIG. 3 b and forming an alternating layerstructure ABAB. In this manner, two different feed streams can beintroduced into the mixing zone (5) directly adjacent and over and underone another. In the stack, the disks are disposed above one another sothat the inlet openings together with the mixer housing form at the edgeof the mixer subsidiary channels for introducing a particular feedstream, and the mixing zones form inside the mixera main channel forremoving the product stream. A fluid that later will constitute thecontinuous phase of the mixture, however, can also be introduced throughthe main channel.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 c and FIG. 3 d. Each disk (1) hasfour inlet openings (2) positioned at the edge of the disk. Each inletopening (2) is connected with a linking channel (3) formed by anindentation in the plane of the disk. Each linking channel (3) isdivided by several microstructure units (6) into several part channels(7). Through the outlet openings (4), the part channels (7) open into anenclosed mixing zone (5). The outlet openings (4) are arranged on acircular line. The linking channels are bent into spiral shapes, thespirals in FIGS. 3 c and 3 d having an opposite sense of rotation. Themixing zone (5) is configured as a through-hole in the disks. Themicrostructure units are, for example, straight, but they can also beslanted or bent like a spiral. The disks have an approximatelyquadrangular basic shape, but they can also have any other basicgeometric shape (angular, round, elliptical etc). Through the four inletopenings (2), equal feed streams or up to four different feed streamscan be introduced into the mixing zone (5) in one plane, with the outletopenings for the different feed streams preferably disposed opposite oneanother. A micromixer preferably has a stack of several componentsdisposed above one another wherein disks of the kind shown in FIG. 3 calternate with disks of the kind shown in FIG. 3 d and having a sense ofrotation opposite to that of the spiral-shaped linking channels thusforming an alternating layer structure ABAB. In this manner, twodifferent feed streams can be introduced into the mixing zone (5)directly adjacent and over and under one another. In the stack, thedisks are disposed above one another so that the inlet openings togetherwith the mixer housing form at the edge of the mixer subsidiary channelsfor introducing a particular feed stream, and inside the mixer themixing zones form a main channel for removing the product stream. Afluid which later will constitute the continuous phase of the mixture,however, can also be introduced through the main channel.

Additional embodiments are shown in FIG. 4 a to FIG. 4 f. Each disk (1)has an enclosed inlet opening (2) and an enclosed flow-through opening(9). Each inlet opening (2) is connected with a linking channel (3)formed by an indentation in the plane of the disk. By a multiplicity ofmicrostructure units (6), each linking channel (3) is divided into amultiplicity of part channels (7). Through outlet openings (4) arrangedat the edge of the disks, the part channels (7) open into the mixingzone (5) disposed outside the plane of the disk. The outlet openings (4)can be arranged on straight lines (FIG. 4 e, 4 f) or on arc segments,the arc segments being convex (FIG. 4 a, 4 b) or concave (FIG. 4 c, 4d). The inlet openings (2) and the flow-through openings (9) areconfigured as through-holes in the disks. The microstructure units canbe parallel or they can be disposed at various angles to the flowdirection preset by the linking channel. When the disks are round, theypreferably have at their edge recesses (8) which can cooperate withfixing elements (14) in a housing (11) to prevent twisting or slippingof the disks. A micromixer preferably has a stack of several componentsdisposed above one another, the disks of the kind shown in FIG. 4 aalternating with disks of the kind shown in FIG. 4 b, or disks of thekind shown in FIG. 4 c alternating with disks of the kind shown in FIG.4 d, or disks of the kind shown in FIG. 4 e alternating with disks ofthe kind shown in FIG. 4 f, giving rise to an alternating layerstructure ABAB. In this manner, two different feed streams can be fed tothe mixing zone (5) directly adjacent and over and under one another.Preferably, the angles at which the part channels open into the mixingzone are different relative to the circumferential line of the mixingzone in adjacent disks and most preferably have opposite deviations of90°. In the stack, the disks are disposed over one another in a mannersuch that the inlet openings (2) and the flow-through openings (9)alternate and inside the mixer form subsidiary channels for introducingtwo feed streams. The mixing zone and a housing can form a main channelfor removing the product stream, the mixing zone also possibly beingopen to the surroundings. The outwardly open configuration isparticularly preferred if the mixture is to be dispensed as a spray or afoam, particularly if it is to be sprayed or foamed by use of a gas.

Other embodiments are shown in FIG. 5 a and FIG. 5 b. Each of the disks(1) has an enclosed inlet opening (2) and two enclosed flow-throughopenings (9). Each inlet opening (2) is connected with a linking channel(3) formed by an indentation in the plane of the disk. By a multiplicityof microstructure units (6), each linking channel (3) is divided into amultiplicity of part channels (7). Through outlet openings (4) arrangedat the edge of the disks, the part channels (7) open into the mixingzone (5) disposed outside the plane of the disk. The outlet openings (4)can be arranged on straight lines (FIG. 5 a) or on arc segments (FIG. 5b), the arc segments being convex or concave. The inlet openings (2) andthe flow-through openings (9) are configured as through-holes in thedisks. The microstructure units can be parallel or they can be disposedat various angles to the flow direction preset by the linking channel.When the disks are round, they preferably at their edge form recesses(8) which can cooperate with fixing elements (14) in a housing (11) toprevent twisting or slipping of the disks. A micromixer preferably has astack of several components disposed above one another, the disks of thethree different kinds shown in FIG. 5 a alternating with those of thekind shown in FIG. 5 b giving rise to an alternating layer structureABCABC. In this manner, two different feed streams can be fed to themixing zone (5) directly adjacent and over and under one another.Preferably, the angles at which the part channels open into the mixingzone (5) differ relative to the circumferential line of the mixing zonein adjacent disks, opposite deviations of 90° being particularlypreferred. In the stack, the disks (1) are disposed over one another ina manner such that the inlet openings (2) and the flow-through openings(9) alternate and inside the mixer form three subsidiary channels forintroducing up to three different feed streams. The mixing zone (5) anda housing can form a main channel for removing the product stream, themixing zone also possibly being open to the surroundings. The outwardlyopen configuration is particularly preferred when the mixture is to bedispensed as a spray or foam and particularly when the mixture is to besprayed or foamed by use of a gas.

FIG. 6 a shows the schematic structure of an embodiment of a staticmicromixer in longitudinal section. A housing (11) is provided withfluid inlets (12 a). The housing (11) contains a stack of several mixingdisks (1) of the invention. The inlet openings. and/or flow-throughopenings of the disks can be closed and opened by means of a preferablyvertically displaceable closure (13 a). With the closure, it is alsopossible to adjust the flow rate. The mixture can be removed from amixing zone disposed within the housing through a suitable fluid outletor it can be given off directly from a mixing zone disposed outside thehousing.

FIG. 6 b shows the cross-section of a static mixer. Into a housing (11)is built a mixing disk (1) held in position by means of recesses (8) andfixing elements (14). The mixing disk is, for example, of the kind shownin FIG. 5 a.

Other, preferred embodiments are shown in FIGS. 7 a-b and FIGS. 8 a-c.In these embodiments, the disks (1) have adjacent part channels (7) and(13) through which different feed streams can flow alternately so thatdifferent feed streams can be introduced into the mixing zone (5)directly adjacent in one plane.

Each of the disks (1) shown in FIG. 7 a has an enclosed inlet opening(2), an enclosed mixing zone (5) and an enclosed flow-through opening(9). The inlet opening (2) is connected with a linking channel (3)formed by an indentation in the plane of the disk, said linking channelbeing divided into a multiplicity of part channels (7) by a multiplicityof microstructure units (6). Through the outlet openings (4), the partchannels (7) open into the mixing zone (5). The outlet openings (4) arearranged on a circular line around the mixing zone (5). The mixing zone(5), the inlet opening (2) and the flow-through opening (9) areconfigured as through-holes in the disk. Into the microstructure units(6) are integrated additional part channels (13) configured asindentations and which are shielded against the linking channel (3) andopen into the mixing zone (5). The part channels (7) and the additionalpart channels (13) are alternately disposed adjacent to each other. Thedisks are provided with additional through-holes (12), the number of thethrough-holes (12) and the number of the additional part channels (13)being identical. The through-holes (12) are arranged so that when a disk(1) is placed on a second disk (1) twisted by 1800, said through-holesare disposed above the additional part channels (13) of the disk that ispositioned underneath. A feed stream flowing through the inlet opening(2) into the linking channel (3) can flow through the through-holes (12)into an additional part channel (13) of a disk positioned underneath.The angle formed between the adjacent part channels (7) and (13) and theangle formed toward the circumferential line of the mixing zone can bedifferent. In FIG. 7 a, the angles of the part channels (7) and of theadditional part channels (13) relative to the circumferential line ofthe mixing zone (5) have opposite deviations of 900. As a result, theoutlet openings of each two part channels form a pair. In this manner,two different feed streams can be introduced on top of each other. Thepart channels, however, can also run parallel, at right angles orinclined toward the mixing zone. FIG. 7 a shows next to each other twoidentical disks (1) twisted by 180°. FIG. 7 b shows schematically twosuperposed disks twisted by 180°. A micromixer preferably has a stack ofseveral superposed components, wherein disks of the kind shown in FIG. 7a twisted by 180° are alternately superposed on one another. In thismanner, two different feed streams can be fed to the mixing zone (5)both directly adjacent and over and under one another and also directlyadjacent and next to each other. In the stack, the disks are disposedabove one another so that the inlet openings (2) and the flow-throughopenings (9) alternate and form two subsidiary channels for introducingtwo feed streams, and the mixing zones form a main channel for removingthe product stream. A fluid that later will constitute the continuousphase of the mixture, however, can also be introduced through the mainchannel. Moreover, the disks are disposed above one another so that eachadditional through-hole (12) of a disk is connected in communicatingmanner with one corresponding additional part channel (13) of anadjacent disk.

FIG. 8 a shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 7 a the differencebeing that the part channels (7) and the additional part channels (13)lead to the mixing zone (5) in parallel and inclined at identicalangles. In FIG. 8 a, the disk on the left differs from the disk on theright in that the angle formed between the part channels (7) and (13)and the circumferential line of the mixing zone (5) has an oppositedeviation of 90°. A micromixer preferably has a stack of severalsuperposed components wherein the left and the right disks shown in FIG.8 a alternate giving rise to an alternating layer structure ABAB. Inthis manner, two different feed streams can be introduced into themixing zone (5) directly adjacent and over and under each other atopposite angles.

FIG. 8 c shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 8 a the differencebeing that the part channels (7) and the additional part channels (13)lead to the mixing zone (5) in parallel and vertically. A micromixerpreferably has a stack of several superposed components wherein the leftand right disks of the kind shown in FIG. 8 c alternate resulting in analternating layer structure ABAB. In the stack, the disks are superposedon one another so that the inlet openings (2) and the flow-throughopenings (9) alternate and form two subsidiary channels for introducingtwo feed streams, and the mixing zones form a main channel for removingthe product stream. Moreover, the disks are superposed on one another sothat each additional through-hole (12) of a disk is connected incommunicating manner with a corresponding additional part channel (13)of an adjacent disk. In this manner, two different feed streams can beintroduced into the mixing zone (5) both directly adjacent and over andunder each other and directly adjacent and next to each other.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 b. A disk (1) has an enclosedinlet opening (2), three enclosed flow-through openings (9) and anenclosed mixing zone (5). The inlet opening (2) is connected with alinking channel (3) formed by an indentation in the plane of the diskand which by a multiplicity of microstructure units (6) is divided intoa multiplicity of part channels (7). Through the outlet openings (4),the part channels (7) open into the mixing zone (5). The outlet openings(4) are arranged on a circular line around the mixing zone (5). Themixing zone (5), the inlet opening (2) and the flow-through opening (9)are configured as through-holes in the disk. Into the microstructureunits (6) are integrated in indented manner additional part channels(13) which are shielded against the linking channel (3) and which openinto the mixing zone (5). The part channels (7) and the additional partchannels (13) are disposed alternately adjacent to each other. The diskshave additional through-holes (12), the number of the through-holes (12)and the number of the additional part channels (13) being identical. Thethrough-holes (12) are arranged so that when a disk (1) twisted by 90°is placed on a second disk (1) the said through-holes are positionedabove the additional part channels (13) of the disk located underneath.A feed stream flowing through the inlet opening (2) into the linkingchannel (3) can flow through the through-holes (12) into the additionalpart channel (13) of a disk positioned below. The angle formed betweenthe adjacent part channels (7) and (13) and the angle formed toward thecircumferential line of the mixing zone can be different. In FIG. 8 bthe angles of the part channels (7) toward the circumferential line ofthe mixing zone (5) have an opposed deviation of 90° compared to theangles formed by the additional channels (13). As a result, the outletopenings of each two part channels form a pair. In this manner, twodifferent feed streams can be introduced on top of each other. The partchannels, however, can also run parallel at a right angle or inclinedtoward the mixing zone. A micromixer preferably has a stack of severalsuperposed components, the disks of the kind shown in FIG. 8 b beingdisposed above one another. in any order and each being twisted by 90°,180° or 270°. In this manner, different feed streams can be introducedinto the mixing zone (5) either directly adjacent and over and under oneanother or directly adjacent and next to each other. Overall, up to fourdifferent feed streams can be mixed by means of the micromixer. In thestack, the disks are superposed on one another so that the inletopenings (2) and the flow-through openings (9) alternate and form atotal of four subsidiary channels for introducing up to four feedstreams, and the mixing zones form a main channel for removing theproduct stream. A fluid that later will constitute the continuous phaseof the mixture, however, can also be introduced through the mainchannel. Moreover, the disks are superposed on one another so that eachadditional through-hole (12) of a disk is connected in communicatingmanner with the corresponding additional part channel (13) of anadjacent disk.

FIG. 9 shows as an example, in an exploded view, a possible embodimentof a micromixer usable according to the invention. A housing (11)contains a stack of components of the invention in the form of disks(1). Shown as an example is a stack of several disks of the kinddepicted in FIG. 8 a, but other disks of the invention can also be used,in which case optionally the shape of the housing, the number andposition of the inlets and outlets of the fluid etc must becorrespondingly adapted. The disks (1) are positioned so that therecesses (8) cooperate with the fixing elements (14) to prevent thetwisting of the disks. The housing has two fluid inlets (12 a) forintroducing the feed streams. The housing can be closed with a cover((15) provided with a fluid outlet (16).

FIG. 10 shows additional embodiments wherein, in the resting position,the mixing zone (5) or the mixing space formed by several disk-shapedcomponents (1) is filled by a closure (13 a) in the form of a moldedelement which closes off the outlet openings (4) (FIG. 10 a, c, e, g).By means of an appropriate mechanism, for example when the dispensermeans of the packaging system is actuated, the molded element (13 a) isremoved from the mixing zone (5) entirely or partly and the outletopenings (4) are opened entirely or partly (FIG. 10 b, d, f, h). Theactuation can occur by preselectable pressure and/or by forcedmechanical guidance. The molded element can be configured so that duringthe dosing and mixing process, by means of a pressure build-up and/orgeometric baffles, it produces enhanced turbulence with improved mixingquality. At the end of the dosing, the molded element can againcompletely close off the mixing zone. The mixer is thus free of mixtureresidues which otherwise could react and spoil. The molded element canbe integrated into the packaging system in such a way that in theresting position it provides a closure toward the outside thus givingrise to a smooth, easy-to-keep clean surface (FIG. 10 a b). In theresting position, however, the molded element, can also protrudeslightly outward (FIG. 10 c). In this case, should it stick as a resultof being pressed into the housing, it can readily be unstuck. The moldedelement can have any shape adapted to the mixing zone (5), for exampleit can be cylindrical or column-shaped in the case of mixing zones withan opening which remains constant within a stack (FIG. 10 a-f) or it canbe conical (FIG. 10 g, h) in the case of mixing zones with openings thatwithin the stack become narrow toward the product delivery opening.

FIG. 11 shows a two-constituent container with an integrated stack ofmicromixer disks. In an outer container (17) that can be closed with acover ((15) there are disposed two internal containers (18 a) and (18 b)wherein two compositions to be kept separated can be stored until theyare to be used. By actuating a suitable delivery system, thecompositions are conveyed through the fluid inlets (12 a) to a stack ofdisk-shaped mixer components (1) and mixed. The ready-to-use mixtureexits through the fluid outlet (16).

An advantage of the packaging system of the invention lies in thatconstituents with different viscosities can also be readily mixed. Oneembodiment therefore concerns a packaging system containing at least twoseparately kept liquid constituents with different viscosities, namelythe ratio of the viscosities of the constituent with higher viscosity tothose of the constituent with lower viscosity is greater than 1,preferably greater than 1.5 and particularly from 2 to 100 (measured at25° C.).

The packaging system is primarily suited for use in processes for mixingjust before use constituents which as a finished mixture are chemicallyor physically unstable (emulsions, dispersions, perfume-containingcompositions and thickened systems such as gels, emulsions withpharmaceutical active ingredients which in the finished emulsion are notstorage-stable etc.). Over the short time of application, the preparedmixtures are sufficiently stable to meet particular use requirements. Aslong as they are kept separated, the individual constituents can bestabilized by an appropriate selection of the pH or of other effectivestabilizers.

Possible applications for cosmetic preparations are, for example

-   in-situ preparation of shampoos, hair treatment preparations, hair    lotions or skin lotions;-   preparing mixtures of dye precursors and oxidants for hair    colorants; in this case, the finished mixture can be applied    directly to the hair with the aid of an applicator without the    conventional manual mixing in a bowl, as in the past;-   preparing mixtures of reactive solutions with thickeners,    particularly viscous preparations containing oxidants and thickeners    for blonding hair or fixing permanent waves;-   producing foams by chemical release of a gas (for example CO₂ from a    carbonate-containing or hydrogen carbonate-containing constituent    and an acidic constituent);-   foams for hair or skin treatment from a surfactant-containing liquid    constituent and a gaseous constituent;-   mixing of end products fo achieve special effects, for example    color-change products which after mixing give rise to a time-delayed    chemical color-change reaction, the time delay being adjusted to    give an optimum application period for the product, for example a    hair treatment preparations;-   producing gels from low-viscosity starting constituents.

Possible uses for pharmaceutical preparations are, for example

-   to prepare water-sensitive systems by mixing a water-free and a    water-containing constituent only just at the instant of use;-   to prepare ointments, emulsions, lotions etc fresh just at the    instant of use, it being possible to reduce the amount of, or omit,    the emulsifiers otherwise commonly needed for long-term emulsion    stability and thereby enhancing compatibility and reducing side    effects.

Possible uses in adhesives technology are, for example,

-   to produce multiconstituent systems at the instant of use, in which    case the manual mixing of a first, curable constituent A and a    second, curing agent-containing constituent B is omitted; at the end    of the mixing process, the mixing chamber is kept free of curable    mixture residues by closing it with a molded element,

Possible uses for foodstuffs are, for example,

-   to produce mayonnaise, mustard etc at the instant of use;-   to homogenize milk, milk products etc;-   to produce cream without mechanical beating.

In the process of the invention, one of the phases to be mixed isusually liquid, and the second phase and optionally additional phasescan be liquid, solid or gaseous. The two phases to be mixed are broughttogether in a micromixer so that the constituents of the mixture aremixed in the mixing zone at the outlet from the supplying channels. Theprocess of the invention is particularly well suited to preparing justbefore use colorants, adhesives, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical agents,cosmetic agents or building materials and particularly to producingemulsion-forming preparations containing at least one hair-care orskin-care cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical active ingredient,hair-firming agents, hair coloring agents or permanent wave lotions. Inthe case of cosmetic uses, at least one constituent contains ahair-cosmetic or skin-cosmetic constituent. This constituent can be, forexample, a hair-care substance, a hair-coloring substance, ahair-firming substance, a substance protecting the skin and/or hair fromlight, a fragrance material, a skin-care substance, an antidandruffconstituent, a hair-cleaning and/or skin-cleansing material or apreservative. Typical amounts of active ingredient are in this case 0.05to 20 wt. % and preferably 0.14 to 10 wt. %.

Preferably, one of the constituents to be mixed is an aqueous, liquidphase and the other constituent is a hydrophobic, liquid orwater-sensitive substance-containing phase, or the constituents containsubstances that on contact with one another react chemically or changethe physical consistency of the mixture.

In the case of dispersions, the amount of the phase to be homogenized inthe finished emulsion or suspension depends on the requirements of theend product to be prepared. For hair treatments, the lipophilic phasecan amount to, for example, from 2 to 10 wt. % or for creams, forexample hair-coloring creams, even up to about 50 wt. %. Thehomogenization can be carried out without an emulsifier. However, anemulsifier or a surfactant can be present as a dispersing aid. Thefinished composition can contain the dispersing aid in an amount from0.5 to 30 wt. %. Suitable emulsifiers are the nonionic, anionic,cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic emulsifiers. Suitable emulsifiersare, for example, those indicated in the “International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary and Handbook”, 7th edition, volume 2, in thesection on “Surfactants”, and particularly in the subsection on“Surfactants - Emulsifying Agents”. Nonionic emulsifiers are, forexample, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated nonylphenols, fattyacid mono- and diglycerides, ethoxylated and hydrogenated ornonhydrogenated castor oil, fatty acid alkanolamides and ethoxylatedfatty esters. Cationic emulsifiers are, for example, long-chainquaternary ammonium compounds such as those known under the CTFAdesignation “Quaternium”, such as, for example, alkyltrimethylammoniumsalts or dialkyldimethylammonium salts with C₈-C₂₂-alkyl groups. Anionicemulsifiers are, for example, the fatty alcohol sulfates, alkyl ethersulfates and alkylbenzenesulfonates. Amphoteric emulsifiers are, forexample, the betaines such as fatty amide alkylbetaines, sulfobetainesand C₈-C₂₂-alkylbetaines.

The particle diameter of the dispersed phase is preferably less than 1μm and particularly less than 0.2 μm. In another embodiment, the channeldimensions, the micro components of a micromixer and the flow andpressure conditions are selected so that the emulsification of theaqueous and hydrophobic phase produces a microemulsion or ananoemulsion, meaning that the particle size is 100 nm or less.

According to the process of the invention, the dispersion of an aqueousphase with an immiscible, hydrophobic phase can take place with orwithout an emulsifier. A special advantage of the process is that noemulsifier, or a substantially smaller amount of emulsifier, is neededto obtain an emulsion or dispersion of a certain viscosity which needsto be stable only over a short period of time, namely only during thetime of application. As a result, the irritation potential is reducedand the skin compatibility is improved. If emulsifiers are entirelyomitted, metastable dispersions are formed which have prolongedstability compared to the dispersions prepared by the conventionalprocesses. Another object of the invenion therefore is a process forproducing a preparation in dispersed form whereby just before use ahydrophobic phase is mixed with an aqueous phase in a micromixer withoutthe use of an emulsifier.

Another object of the invention is a process for producing cleaningagents, particularly hair, skin or textile cleaning agents, thecomposition of which contains at least one detersive surfactant andoptionally other additives. The hair or skin cleaning compositions areshampoos, shower bath compositions, shower gels, bathing preparationsetc. In a preferred embodiment, the first constituent contains at leastone anionic detersive surfactant in an aqueous phase and a secondconstituent contains at least one active care agent which on prolongedstorage is not compatible with the first constituent, for example an oilor a cationic care agent. The term “aqueous phase” comprises water andmixtures of water and a water-soluble solvent such as a lower alcohol,for example ethanol or isopropanol, or a polyol such as ethylene glycol,diethylene glycol, butylene glycol or glycerol, but preferably water.The preferred anionic surfactants are alkyl ether sulfates. Suitablealkyl ether sulfates contain an alkyl group with 8 to 22 and preferably10 to 16 carbon atoms and have a degree of ethoxylation from 1 to 20 andpreferably from 1 to 4. Particularly preferred are lauryl ethersulfates. Suitable counterions are alkali metal ions or alkaline earthmetal ions, for example sodium, magnesium or ammonium ions. Suitablealkyl ether sulfates are, for example, indicated among the surfactantsin the “International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook”, 7thedition, volume 2, in the section on “Alkyl Ether Sulfates”.

The cationic care agent used in the second constituent of the cleaningagent is a substance which because of its cationic groups or groups thatcan be converted into cations, particularly protonated amino groups orquaternary ammonium groups, has substantivity for human hair. Thecationic or cation-active hair-care substance is preferably selectedfrom among cationic polymers, cationic surfactants, cationic siliconecompounds, cationically derivatizable proteins, cationicallyderivatizable protein hydrolyzates and betaine, each with at least onecationic or cation-active group. Good hair-care efficacy is achievedwhen at least one cationic polymer is combined with at least onecationic surfactant. In addition, at least one cationic siliconecom-pound, particularly a terminal diquaternary polydimethylsiloxane,may be present.

Suitable cationic surfactants are those containing a quaternary ammoniumgroup. In particular, suitable cationic surfactants are those of generalformulaN⁽⁺⁾R¹R²R³R⁴ X⁽⁻⁾wherein R¹ to R⁴ independently of each other denote aliphatic groups,aromatic groups, alkoxy groups, polyoxyalkylene groups, alkylamidogroups, hydroxyalkyl groups, aryl groups or alkylaryl groups with 1 to22 carbon atoms, and at least one of the R¹ to R⁴ groups contains atleast 8 carbon atoms, and X⁻ denotes an anion, examples being a halogen,acetate, phosphate, nitrate or alkyl sulfate and preferably a chloride.Besides the carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, the. aliphatic group canalso contain compounds with cross-linking or other groups, for exampleadditional amino groups. Examples of suitable cationic surfactants arethe chlorides or bromides of alkydimethylbenzylammonium salts,alkyltrimethylammonium salts, for example cetyltrimethylammoniumchloride or bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium chlorides or bromides,alkyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chlorides or bromides,dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides or bromides, alkylpyridinium salts,for example laurylpyridinium chloride or cetylpyridinium chloride,alkylamidoethyltrimethylammonium ether sulfates and compounds with acationic character, such as the amine oxides, for examplealkylmethylamine oxide or alkylaminoethyldimethylamine oxide.Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride is particularly preferred.

Cationic or cation-active polymers are hair-care or hair-conditioningpolymers. Suitable cationic polymers preferably contain quaternaryammonium groups. The cationic polymers can be homopolymers or copolymerswherein the quaternary nitrogen groups are contained either in thepolymer chain or preferably as substituents on one or several of themonomers. The ammonium groups-containing monomers can be copolymerizedwith non-cationic monomers. Suitable cationic monomers are unsaturated,free-radical-polymerizable compounds bearing at least one cationicgroup, particularly ammonium-substituted vinyl monomers, for exampletrialkylmethylacryloxyalkylammonium, trialkylacryloxyalkylammonium,dialkyldiallylammonium and quaternary vinylammonium monomers withcyclic, cationic nitrogen-containing groups such as pyridinium,imidazolium, or quaternary pyrrolidone groups, for examplealkylvinylimidazolium, alkylvinylpyridinium or alkyl-vinylpyrrolidonesalts. The alkyl groups of these monomers are preferably the lower alkylgroups, for example C₁- to C₇-alkyl groups and most preferably C₁- toC₃-alkyl groups. The monomers containing ammonium groups can becopolymerized with non-cationic monomers. Suitable comonomers are, forexample, acrylamide, methacrylamide, alkyl- and dialkylacrylamide,alkyl- and dialkylmethacrylamide, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate,vinylcaprolactone, vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrrolidone, vinyl esters, forexample vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, propylene glycol or ethyleneglycol, the alkyl groups of these mono-mers preferably being C₁- to C₇-alkyl groups and most preferably C₁- to C₃- alkyl groups.

Cationic polymers with quaternary amino groups are, for example, thepolymers described in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary under thedesignation Polyquaternium such as methylvinylimidazoliumchloride/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer (Polyquaternium-16) or thequarternized vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer(Polyquaternium-11) as well as quaternary silicone polymers oroligomers, for example silicone polymers with quaternary end groups(Quaternium-80). Suitable among the cationic polymers is, for example,the vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methosulfatecopolymer marketed under the commercial names Gafquat® 755 N andGafquat® 734 and of which Gafquat® 755 N is particularly preferred.Other cationic polymers are, for example, the copolymer ofpolyvinylpyrrolidone and imidazolium methochloride marketed under thecommercial name LUVIQUAT® HM 550, the terpolymer ofdimethyldiallylammonium chloride, sodium acrylate and acrylamidemarketed under the commercial name Merquat® Plus 3300, the terpolymer ofvinylpyrrolidone, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and vinylcaprolactammarketed under the commercial name Gaffix® VC 713 and thevinylpyrolidone/methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride copolymermarketed under the commercial name Gafquat® HS 100.

Suitable cationic polymers derived from natural polymers are thecationic derivatives of polysaccharides, for example the cationicderivatives of cellulose, starch or guar. Also suitable are chitosan andchitosan derivatives. The cationic polysaccharides have the generalformulaG-O-B-N⁺R⁵R⁶R⁷ X⁻wherein

G is an anhydroglucose group, for example starch anhydroglucose orcellulose anhydroglucose;

B is a divalent linking group, for example alkylene, oxyalkylene,polyoxyalkylene or hydroxyalkylene;

R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ independently of each other denote alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl,arylalkyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyaryl each with up to 18 carbon atoms,the total number of carbon atoms in the R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ groups preferablybeing at the most 20;

X is a common counterion, has the same meaning as hereinabove andpreferably denotes a chloride.

A cationic cellulose is marketed by Amerchol under the name Polymer JRand has the INCI designation Polyquaternium-10. Another cationiccellulose has the INCI designation Poly-quaternium 24 and is marketed byAmerchol under the commercial name Polymer LM-200. A suitable cationicguar derivative is marketed under the commercial name Jaguar® R and hasthe INCI designation Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride. Particularlypreferred cation-active substances are chitosan, chitosan salts andchitosan derivatives. The chitosans to be used according to theinvention are completely or partly deacetylated chitins. The molecularweight of the chitosans can vary within a wide range, for example from20,000 to about 5 million g/mol. Suitable, for example, is a chitosanwith a low molecular weight of 30,000 to 70,000 g/mol. Preferably,however, the molecular weight is higher than 100,000/mol and mostpreferably it is between 200,000 and 700,000 g/mol. The degree ofdeacetylation is preferably from 10 to 99% and most preferably from 60to 99%. A suitable chitosan is marketed, for example, by Kyowa Oil &Fat, Japan, under the commercial name Flonac®. It has a molecular weightof 300,000 to 700,000 g/mol and is 70 to 80% deacetylated. A preferredchitosan salt is chitosonium pyrrolidone carboxylate which is marketed,for example, by Amerchol, USA, under the commercial name Kytamer® PC.The chitosan in this product has a molecular weight of about 200,000 to300,000 g/mol and is 70 to 85% deacetylated. Suitable chitosanderivatives are the quaternized, alkylated or hydroxyalkylatedderivatives, for example hydroxyethyl-, hydroxypropyl- orhydroxybutylchitosan. The chitosans or chitosan derivatives arepreferably used in the neutralized or partly neutralized form. Thedegree of neutralization of the chitosan or chitosan derivative ispreferably at least 50% and most preferably between 70 and 100%, basedon the number of free base groups. In principle, the neutralizationagent can be any cosmetically compatible inorganic or organic acid, forexample, among others, formic acid, malic acid, lactic acid,pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, hydrochloric acid among whichpyrrolidonecarboxylic acid and lactic acid are particularly preferred.

Preferred are polymers that possess sufficient solubility in water or inwater/alcohol mixtures so as to be able to dissolve completely in thehydrophilic phase of the invention. The cationic charge density ispreferably 0.2 to 7 meq/g or 0.4 to 5 meq/g and particularly 0.6 to 2meq/g. Usually, only small amounts of cationic polymers with a lowcationic charge density (for example up to 3 meq/g) can be incorporatedinto current hair-care shampoos in a stable manner. By contrast,according to the invention it is possible to add larger amounts of theseslightly cationized polymer or polymers with a higher degree ofcationization (for example >3 meq/g).

Suitable cation-active silicone compounds preferably contain either atleast one amino group or at least one ammonium group. Suitable siliconepolymers with amino groups are known under the INCI designationAmodimethicone. They are polydimethylsiloxanes with aminoalkyl groups.The aminoalkyl groups can be lateral groups or terminal groups. Suitableaminosilicones are those of general formulaR⁸R⁹R¹⁰Si—(OSiR¹¹R¹²)_(x)—(OSiR¹³Q)_(y)—OSiR¹⁴R¹⁵R¹⁶

wherein

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ independently of each other are equal or differentand denote C₁- to C₀₁-alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, hydrogen, C₁- toC₁₀-alkoxy or acetoxy, preferably C₁-C₄-alkyl and most preferablymethyl;

R¹⁰ and R¹⁶ independently of each other are equal or different anddenote —(CH₂)_(a)—NH₂ wherein a equals 1 to 6, C₁- to C₁₀-alkyl, phenyl,hydroxyl, hydrogen, C₁- to C₁₀-alkoxy or acetoxy, preferably C₁-C₄-alkyland most preferably methyl;

R¹² and R¹³ independently of each other are equal or different anddenote hydrogen, C₁- to C₂₀-hydrocarbon possibly bearing O-atoms orN-atoms, preferably C₁- to C₁₀-alkyl or phenyl and most preferably C₁-to C₄-alkyl, particularly methyl;

Q denotes -A-NR¹⁷R¹⁸ or -A-N⁻R¹⁷R¹⁸R¹⁹ wherein A stands for a divalentC₁- to C₂₀-alkylene linking group that may also contain O-atoms andN-atoms as well as OH— groups, and R¹⁷, R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ independently ofeach other are equal or different and denote hydrogen, C₁- toC₂₂-hydrocarbon, preferably C₁- to C₄-alkyl or phenyl. Preferred groupsfor Q are

—(CH₂)₃—NH₂, —(CH₂)₃NHCH₂CH₂NH₂, —(CH₂)₃OCH₂CHOHCH₂NH₂,

—(CH₂)₃N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂, (CH₂)₃-NH₃ ⁺ and

—(CH₂)₃OCH₂CHOHCH₂N⁺(CH₃)₂R²⁰ wherein R²⁰ denotes a C₁- to C₂₂-alkylgroup that may also bear OH groups;

x denotes a numeral between 1 and 10,000 and preferably between 1 and1,000 and

y denoted a numeral between 1 and 500 and preferably between 1 and 50.

The molecular weight of the aminosilicones is preferably between 500 and100,000. The amount of amine (meq/g) is preferably in the range from0.05 to 2.3 and most preferably from 0.1 to 0.5. Particularly preferredare silicone polymers with two terminal quaternary ammonium groups.These compounds are known under the INCI designation Quaternium-80. Theyare polydimethylsiloxanes with two terminal alkylammonium groups.Suitable quaternary aminosilicones are those of general formulaR²¹R²²R²³N⁺-A-SiR⁸R⁹—(OSiR¹¹R¹²)_(n)—OSiR⁸R⁹-A-N⁺R²¹R²²R²³ 2X⁻

wherein

A has the same meaning as indicated hereinabove and preferably standsfor

—(CH₂)₃OCH₂CHOHCH₂N⁺(CH₃)₂R²⁰ wherein R²⁰ denotes a C₁- to C₂₂-alkylgroup that may also bear OH groups;

R⁸, R⁹, R¹¹ and R¹² have the same meaning as indicated hereinabove andpreferably stand for methyl;

R²¹, R²² and R²³ independently of each other denote C₁- to C₂₂-alkylgroups that may bear hydroxyl groups and wherein at least one of thegroups has at least 10 carbon atoms and the remaining groups have 1 to 4carbon atoms; n stands for a numeral from 0 to 200 and preferably from10 to 100. Such diquaternary polydimethylsiloxanes are sold byGOLSCHMIDT/Germany under the commercial names Abil® Quat 3270, 3272 and3274.

Other suitable cation-active, hair-care compounds are the cationicallymodified protein derivatives or cationically modified proteinhydrolyzates known, for example, under the INCI designationslauryldimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, lauryldimoniumhydroxypropyl hydrolyzed casein, lauryldimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzedcollagen, lauryldimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin,lauryldimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed silk, soy protein orhydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed wheat, hydroxypropyltrimoniumhydrolyzed casein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed collagen,hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed keratin, hydroxypropyltrimoniumhydrolyzed rice bran protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed silk,hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed soy protein and hydroxypropyltrimoniumhydrolyzed vegetable protein. Suitable cationically derivatized proteinhydrolyzates are mixtures of substances that can be obtained, forexample, by reaction of alkali-hydrolyzed, acid-hydrolyzed orenzymatically hydrolyzed proteins with glycidyltrialkylammonium salts or3-halo-2-hydroxypropyltrialkylammonium salts. The proteins used asstarting materials for the protein hydrolyzates can be of eithervegetable or animal origin. Common starting materials are, for example,keratin, collagen, elastin, soy protein, rice protein, milk protein,wheat protein, silk protein or almond protein. The hydrolysis affordsmixtures of substances with a molecular weight in the range from about100 to about 50,000. The average molecular weights are usually in therange from about 500 to about 1000. Advantageously, the cationicallyderivatized protein hydrolyzates contain one or two long, C₈- toC₂₂-alkyl chains and correspondingly two or one short C₁- to C₄-alkylchain. Compounds with a long alkyl chain are preferred.

An oil that can be added as care agent to the second constituent of acleaning agent is a hydrophobic substance that is liquid at roomtemperature (25° C.). The amount added can range from 0.1 to 20 wt. %and most preferably from 1 to 10 wt. %. The second constituent can be inthe form of a pre-emulsion of the oil in water. The hydrophobicsubstance can be a readily volatile or non-volatile substance. Thereadily volatile hydrophobic substances are liquid at room temperatureand preferably have a boiling point in the range from 30 to 250° C. andmost preferably from 60 to 220° C. Suitable are, for example, liquidhydrocarbons, liquid cyclic or linear silicones (dimethylpolysiloxanes)or mixtures of said substances. Suitable hydrocarbons are paraffins orisoparaffins with 5 to 14 carbon atoms and most preferably with 8 to 12carbon atoms, particularly dodecane or isododecane. Suitable liquid,readily volatile silicones are the cyclic dimethylsiloxanes with 3 to 8Si and preferably with 4 to 6 Si atoms, and in particularcyclotetradimethylsiloxane, cyclopentadimethylsiloxane orcyclohexadimethylsiloxane. Also suitable aredimethylsiloxane/methylalkylsiloxane cyclocopolymers, for exampleSilicone FZ 3109 produced by Union Carbide which is adimethylsiloxane/methyloctylsiloxane cyclocopolymer. Suitable volatilelinear silicones have from 2 to 9 Si atoms.

Suitable are, for example, hexamethyldisiloxane or alkyltrisiloxanes,such as hexylheptamethyltrisiloxane or octylheptamethyltrisiloxane. Thenonvolatile, hydrophobic oils have a melting point below 25° C. and aboiling point above 250° C. and preferably above 300° C. Any oilgenerally known to those skilled in the art can, in principle be usedfor this purpose. Suitable are vegetable or animal oils, mineral oils,silicone oils or mixtures thereof. Suitable silicone oils arepolydimethylsiloxanes, phenylated silicones, polyphenylmethylsiloxanes,phenyl, phenyltrimethicones, poly(C₁-C₂₀)-alkylsiloxanes, andalkylmethylsiloxanes. Also suitable are hydrocarbon oils, for exampleparaffin oils and isoparaffin oils, squalane, oil derived from fattyacids and polyols, particularly the triglycerides of C₁₀- to C₃₀-fattyacids. Suitable vegetable oils are, for example, sunflower oil, coconutoil, castor oil, lanolin oil, jojoba oil, corn oil and soybean oil.Particularly preferred are hydrocarbon oils and especially mineral oils(liquid paraffin) as well as vegetable oils and fatty acidtriglycerides.

An embodiment of the invention is a silicone-containing two-constituenthair-care shampoo (2-in-1 shampoo). Silicone shampoos and thepreparation thereof are described, for example, in WO 98/05296 and theliterature cited therein. In current silicone shampoos, the insolublesilicones must be dispersed in durably stable manner which placesstringent requirements on the method of preparation in terms ofachieving a certain particle size. Or additives are needed to bringabout stabilization, for example thickeners which confer to thecomposition a separation-preventing flow limit. According to theinvention, such measures may be omitted, because dispersion immediatelybefore the application does not require a lasting stability of thedispersion. One of the constituents of the two-constituent shampoocontains an aqueous composition with at least one detersive surfactantselected from among anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic or amphotericsurfactants. The second constituent contains a water-insoluble, volatileor nonvolatile silicone compound either in the pure form or in asuitable solvent or as an aqueous pre-emulsion. In addition, preferablyat least one of the two constituents contains a cationic polymer knownto promote silicone deposition on the hair. Suitable surfactants,silicones and cationic polymers are, besides those mentionedhereinabove, those indicated in WO 98/05296.

Hair-care compositions that can be prepared according to the inventionare obtained from a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic constituent andcontain at least one active ingredient selected from among the C₁₀- toC₃₀-fatty alcohols, the above-said oils and the above-indicated cationichair-care substances. The finished mixture is preferably a fatty alcoholdispersion. The fatty alcohols can be present in an amount from 0.1-20wt. %, preferably from 0.5 to 10 wt. % and particularly from 1 to 8 wt.%. Suitable fatty alcohols are primary alcohols, particularly 1-alkanolswith 6 to 26 carbon atoms and preferably 12 to 22 carbon atoms. The useof octanol, decanol, dodecanol or lauryl alcohol, tetradecanol ormyristic alcohol, hexadecanol or cetyl alcohol, octadecanol or stearylalcohol or a mixture of these fatty alcohols was found to beparticularly advantageous. A particularly preferred fatty alcohol iscetyl alcohol. The fatty alcohols can be used as an appropriate fluidcomposition. For example, if they are solid at room temperature, they.can be in the form of a solution or dispersion in a suitable dissolvingor dispersing medium, for example in the form of an aqueouspre-emulsion. Cationic hair-care substances are those mentioned in theforegoing and they can be contained in the finished mixture in an amountfrom 0.01 to 10 wt. % and most preferably from 0.05 to 5 wt. %.

One embodiment concerns a creamy, highly viscous hair-care compositionwhich after use is preferably rinsed out (rinse product). The fattyalcohol content of said composition is preferably from 0.01 to 20 wt. %and most preferably from 1 to 10 wt. %. The viscosity is preferably from1000 to 10,000 mPa s, and most preferably from 1500 to 8,000 mPa s,determined by a dynamic viscosity-measuring method with a HAAKE VT 550rotational viscosimeter at a temperature of 25° C. with a testingspindle in accordance with German Industry Standard [DIN] 53019 (SV-DIN)at a shearing rate of 50 s⁻¹. Another embodiment concerns sprayableleave-in hair-care compositions. These compositions consist of ahydrophilic and a hydrophobic phase that are dispersed with the aid of amicromixer. They contain essentially the same ingredients as theabove-said hair-care compositions. The amount of hydrophobic phasecontained therein is appreciably reduced compared to that contained inthe creamy hair-care compositions intended to be rinsed out so that noviscous or liquid-crystalline structures are formed. The viscosity isappreciably lower, and the products are sprayable. The fatty alcoholcontent of leave-in products is preferably from 0.01 to 3 wt. % and mostpreferably from 0.1 to 1 wt. %. The viscosity of leave-in products ispreferably from 100 to 2000 mPa s and most preferably from 300 to 1500mPa s, determined by a dynamic viscosity-measuring method with a HAAKEVT 550 rotational viscosimeter at a temperature of 25° C. with a testingspindle in accordance with German Industry Standard [DIN] 53019 (SV-DIN)at a shearing rate of 50 s⁻¹. The sprayability is improved over that ofconventionally prepared sprayable hair-care compo-sitions.

Hair colorants that can be prepared according to the invention cancontain in a first constituent at least one hair-coloring substance orat least one oxidation dye precursor which can be converted oxidativelyinto a hair dye, and in a second constituent at least one substanceselected from among oxidants, hair-care substances andviscosity-increasing substances. The non-oxidative hair-coloringsubstance s are hair-coloring inorganic pigments or soluble, organicdyes directly taken up by the hair.

The method of the invention is particularly advantageous for thepreparation of oxidation colorants. As a rule, oxidation colorantconsist of two constituents: (i) the dye carrier composition containingthe dye precursors and (ii) the oxidant preparation, these constituentsbeing mixed shortly before use and then applied to the hair to becolored. A higher or lower viscosity is obtained during mixing dependingon the viscosity and mixing ratio of the two constituents. A higherviscosity, in particular, confers to the colorant a good adhesion. Inaddition, the hair dresser often needs higher viscosities for his work,for example for special strand or film techniques and for preciselyaimed work with the coloring brush or accentuation brush. With themethod of the invention, highly viscous mixtures with good adhesion andcoloring properties can be obtained in a simple manner.

Suitable oxidants for color development are mainly hydrogen peroxide orthe addition compounds thereof to urea, melamine or sodium borate in theform of a 1 to 12% and preferably 1.5 to 6% aqueous solution. The mixingratio of colorant to oxidant depends on the concentration of the oxidantand as a rule is about 5:1 to 1:2 and preferably 1:1 . The amount ofoxidant in the ready-to-use mixture is preferably about 0.5 to 8 wt. %and particularly 1 to 4 wt. %.

The hair colorants can be based on a cream in emulsion form. Preferredhair colorants contain (a) water, (b) at least one waxy or fattysubstance that is solid at room temperature (25° C.) or an oilysubstance that is liquid at room temperature, c) at least one surfactantand (d) at least one direct hair dye or at least one oxidation dyeprecursor. The total amount of dyes or dye precursors is preferablyabout 0.01 to 10 wt. % and most preferably about 0.2 to 7 wt. %.Suitable direct dyes are, for example, triphenylmethane dyes, aromaticnitro dyes, azo dyes, quinone dyes and cationic or anionic dyes.Suitable are: nitro dyes (blue), nitro dyes (red), nitro dyes (yellow),basic dyes, neutral azo dyes and acid dyes.

At least one coupler and at least one developer are used as dyeprecursors. Developers are, for example, 1,4-diaminobenzene(p-phenylenediamine), 1,4-diamino-2-methylbenzene (p-toluylenediamine)1,4-diamino-2-(thiophen-2-yl)benzene,1,4-diamino-2-(thiophen-3-yl)benzene,1,4-diamino-2-(pyridin-3-yl)benzene, 2,5-diaminobiphenyl,1,4-diamino-2-methoxymethylbenzene, 1,4-diamino-2-aminomethylbenzene,1,4-diamino-2-hydroxymethylbenzene, 4-[di(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]aniline,1,4-diamino-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)benzene1,4-diamino-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzene,1,3-bis[(4-aminophenyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-propanol,1,8-bis(2,5-diaminophenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane,2,5-diamino-4′-hydroxy-1,1′-biphenyl,2,5-diamino-2′-trifluoromethyl-1,1′-biphenyl,2,4′,5′-triamino-1,1′-biphenyl, 4-aminophenol, 4-amino-3-methylphenol,4-methylaminophenol, 4-amino-2-(aminomethyl)phenol,4-amino-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]methylphenol,4-ami-no-2-(methoxymethyl)phenol, 5-aminosalicylic acid,2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine, 2,5,6-triamino-4-(1H)-pyrimidone,4,5-diamino-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazole,4,5-diamino-1-(1-pentyl)-1H-pyrazole, 4,5-diamino-1-(phenylmethyl)-1H-pyrazole, 4,5-diamino-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl-1H-pyrazole,2-aminophenol, 2-amino-6-methylphenol , 2-amino-5-methylphenol,1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, 2,4-diaminophenol, 1,4-dihydroxybenzene and2-[(4-aminophenyl) -amino]methyl)-1,4-di-aminobenzene.

Couplers are, for example: (3-dimethylaminophenyl)urea,2,6-diaminopyridine, 2-amino-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]anisole,2,4-diamino-1-fluoro-5-methylbenzene,2,4-diamino-1-ethoxy-5-methylbenzene,2,4-diamino-1-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-methylbenzene,3-amino-6-methoxy-2-(methylamino)pyridine,3,5-diamino-2,6-dimethoxypyridine, 1,3-diaminobenzene,2,4-diamino-1-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene,1,3-diamino-4-(3-hydroxypropoxy)benzene,1,3-diamino-4-(2-methoxyethoxy)benzene,1,3-di(2,4-diaminophenoxy)propane, 2,6-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)aminotoluene,5-amino-2-methylphenol, 5-amino-4-fluoro-2-methylphenol,3-amino-2,4-dichlorophenol, 3-amino-2-chloro-6-methylphenol,3-aminophenol, 5[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-methylphenol,2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine, 2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethyl-pyridine,5-amino-4-chloro-2-methylphenol, 1-naphthol, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene,1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2-methyl-1-naphtholacetate, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, 1-chloro-2,4-dihydroxybenzene,1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzene,5-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1,3-benzodioxol, 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid,3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazine,3-methyl-1-phenyl-5-pyrazolone, 5,6-dihydroxyindole,5,6-dihydroxyindoline, 6-hydroxyindole, and 2,3-indolinedione.

Known dyes commonly used for hair coloring are those described, forexample, in E. Sagarin “Cosmetics, Science and Technology”, IntersciencePublishers Inc., New York (1957), pages 503 ff, in H. Janistyn “Handbuchder Kosmetika und Riechstoffe” [Handbook of Cosmetics and Perfumes],volume 3 (1973), pages 388 ff and K. Schrader “Grundlagen und Rezepturender Kosmetika” [Fundamentals and Formulations of Cosmetics], 2nd edition(1989), pages 782-815.

Suitable hair-coloring pigments are coloring materials that arepractically insoluble in the application medium and can be inorganic ororganic. Inorganic-organic mixed pigments are also usable.

The pigments are preferably nanopigments. The preferred particle size isfrom 1 to 200 μm, particularly from 3 to 150 μm and most preferably from10 to 100 μm. Inorganic pigments are preferred. The inorganic pigmentscan be of natural origin, for example prepared from chalk, ocher, umber,green earth, burned terra di Siena or graphite. The pigments can bewhite, for example titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or black, for exampleblack iron oxide, they can be brightly colored, for example ultramarineor red iron oxide, they can be lustrous, confer a metallic effect, ornacreous pigments as well as fluorescent or phosphorescent pigments,preferably at least one pigment being a colored, nonwhite pigment.Suitable are metal oxides, metal hydroxides or metal oxide hydrates,mixed phase pigments, sulfur-containing silicates, metal sulfides,complex metal cyanides, metal sulfates, metal chromates, metalmolybdates and metals themselves (bronze pigments). Particularly wellsuited are titanium dioxide (Cl 77891), black iron oxide (Cl 77499),yellow iron oxide (Cl 77492), red and brown iron oxide (Cl 77491),manganese violet (Cl 77742), ultramarine (sodium aluminumsulfosilicates, Cl 77007, Pigment Blue 29), chromium oxide hydrate (Cl77289), Prussian blue (ferric ferrocyanide, Cl 77510) and carmine(cochineal). Particularly preferred are mica-based pigments coated witha metal oxide or a metal oxychloride such as titanium dioxide or bismuthoxychloride and possibly with other color-imparting substances such asiron oxides, Prussian blue, ultramarine, carmine etc., the color of suchpigments being determined by varying the thickness of the coating. Suchpigments are marketed in Germany by Merck under the commercial names of,for example, Rona®, Colorona®, Dichrona® and Timiron®. Organic pigmentsare, for example, the natural pigments sepia, gamboge, bone charcoal,Cassel brown, indigo, chlorophyll and other vegetable pigments.Synthetic organic pigments are anthraquinoids, indigoids, dioxazinepigments, quinacridone pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, isoindolinonepigments, perylene pigments and perinone pigments, metal complexpigments, alkali blue pigments and diketopyrrolopyrrol pigments.

For non-oxidative colorants based on direct dyes, the pH of thecolorants of the invention is in the range of about 5 to 10 andpreferably about 6 to 9, whereas for oxidative colorants based onoxidation dye precursors the pH is in the range from about 6 to 12 andpreferably from 9 to 11, the pH of the ready-to-use oxidation haircolorant (namely of the mixture of the hair colorant of the inventionand the oxidant) is from about 5.5 to 10 and preferably from 6 to 9.Depending on the composition and the pH desired for the colorant, the pHis preferably adjusted with ammonia or an organic amine, for example aglucamine, aminomethylpropanol, monoethanolamine or triethanolamine, aninorganic base, for example sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide,sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, or with an organic or inorganicacid, for example lactic acid, citric acid, acetic acid or phosphoricacid.

By the method of the invention, cosmetic sunscreens can also be preparedjust before use, such mixtures containing at least one active sunscreeningredient. Particularly preferred are disperse sunscreens containingeither insoluble light-protection agents in finely dispersed form ordisperse sunscreens consisting of an oil or lipid phase and an aqueousphase, namely OIW or W/O emulsions. Current sunscreens are difficult tostabilize so as to meet the stringent requirements for long-termstability, and, moreover, a selection of a specially adapted emulsifiermixture is needed. The two-constituent sunscreens of the invention whichare dispersed just before use have the advantage that the requirementson the emulsifier system are substantially lower, that other, inparticular more skin-friendly, emulsifiers can be used, that the amountof emulsifiers can be reduced or that the emulsifier can be totally orpartly omitted. The light-protection agent can be selected from among UVlight-absorbing inorganic pigments, inorganic nanopigments andoil-soluble or water-soluble organic, UVA-, UVB- or UVA/UVB filtersubstances. Suitable filter substances are, for example,2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and salts thereof, cinnamic acidderivatives, salicylic acid derivatives, camphor derivatives, triazinederivatives, benzophenone derivatives, dibenzo-ylmethane derivatives, β,β-diphenyl acrylate derivatives, p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives,menthyl anthranilate, polymers with light-protective action andsilicones with light-protective action. The sunscreen agents preparedaccording to the invention are characterized by an improvedlight-protection factor.

According to the method of the invention, cosmetic, dermatological orpharmaceutical skin creams can also be prepared just before use. In thiscase, the product is an emulsion formed by an aqueous phase and ahydrophobic phase and contains at least one skin-care, dermatological orpharmaceutical active ingredient, and the dispersion of the phases iscarried out in a micromixer. As a rule, the skin cream contains water, afatty or waxy substance, an emulsifier and an active ingredient. Theactive ingredient can be a cosmetic oils, emollient, vitamin, vitaminderivative, provitamine, essential fatty acid, sphingolipid,phospholipid, ceramide, betain, panthenol, a pharmaceutical agent etc.Skin creams prepared according to the invention are characterized by animproved skin feel, improved distribution of the active ingredients,better takeup of the active ingredients by the skin and a reduction inthe amount required. Moreover, the amount of emulsifiers can be reduced,which reduces the risk of skin irritation.

According to the method of the invention, it is also possible to preparehair preparations or cosmetic skin preparations containing at least onepowdered solid in finely dispersed form, for which the dispersion of thesolid is performed in a micromixer. Suitable solids are, for example,pigments, nacreous pigments, talc, mica, kaolin, zinc oxides, titaniumoxides, precipitated calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate or magnesiumhydrogen carbonate, silicic acid, glass beads, ceramic beads, powderedpolymers etc. The solids are preferably in an appropriate presuspension.

According to the method of the invention, active ingredient preparationscontaining perfume oils and fragrances can also be prepared just beforeuse. In this case, a first constituent contains a nonperfumed activeingredient composition and a second constituent contains at least oneperfume oil or fragrance. In this manner, it is possible to use kindsand amounts of fragrances which in combination with the activeingredient preparation would otherwise not be stable over a long periodof time. Moreover, the user can, when using exchangeable package partsfor the individual constituents, combine different active ingredientcompositions containing different perfumes.

The constituents can have other active ingredients and additives besidesthose already mentioned. Suitable active ingredients and additives are,for example, other detersive anionic, nonionic or amphotericsurfactants, antidandruff agents, hair-care and skin-care substancessuch as quaternized alkylamines, cationic polymers of natural orsynthetic origin, proteins and derivatives thereof, such as hydrolyzatesof collagen, keratin, silk protein and wheat protein as well as siliconecompounds. Moreover, the following can be used: perfume oils, dyes,opacifiers, such as ethylene glycol distaearate; hair-conditioningagents such as synthetic or natural phospholipids or quaternaryderivatives of starch or cellulose; dissolution promoters such asshort-chain alcohols, for example ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, orglycols such as butylene glycol or propylene glycol; amino acids, forexample, histidine, glycine, alanine, threonine, arginine, cysteine andthe derivatives thereof, for example fatty acid condensation products orquaternary products; other active ingredients such as plant extracts,vitamins, allantoin, chitosan, preservatives etc.

The advantages of the products mixed according to the invention consistof an optimum particle size distribution of the homogenized particles,optimum distribution of the disperse phase in the external phase, a highactive surface area, a reduced amount of emulsifier needed and thusimproved skin compatibility, improved efficacy of the cosmetic activeingredients and auxiliary agents, improved crystallization behavior andimproved rheological properties. The hair-treatment and skin-treatmentagents prepared according to the invention have the advantage that theymake possible a more uniform deposition of active ingredients on thehair or on the skin than do conventionally prepared products. Thenarrower particle size distribution improves the takeup by the hair.

EXAMPLES

The following exemplary formulations can be used in combination with apackaging unit of the invention.

Example 1 Hair-Styling Gel From Two Low-Viscosity Phases

Constituent 1: 0.5 g of carbomer (cross-linked polyacrylic acid,Carbopol ® 980) 40 g of water Constituent 2: 2 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP K90) 3 g of glycerol 0.4 g of aminomethylpropanol 0.4 g of PEG-40HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (Cremophor ® CO410) 0.2 g of perfume 15 g ofethanol to 50 g water

Example 2 Oxidative Hair Colorant

Constituent 1: 17 g of cetearyl alcohol 1.9 g of sodium laurylsulfate1.4 g of sodium lauryl ether sulfate 2.1 g of lanolin alcohol 6.1 g ofglyceryl stearate 0.4 g of sodium cocylisethionate 1.4 g of ammonia 6 gof isopropanol 0.6 g of sodium sulfite 0.3 g of EDTA 0.06 g ofp-aminophenol hydrochloride 0.65 g of p-toluylenediamine sulfate 0.26 gof resorcinol 0.3 g of perfume oil to 100 g water Constituent 2: 6%hydrogen peroxide solution or hydrogen peroxide emulsion: 10.0 g ofcetylstearyl alcohol 1.5 g of cholesterol 4.0 g of sodium lauryl alcoholdiethylene glycol ether sulfate, 28% aqueous solution 35.0 g of hydrogenperoxide, 35% aqueous solution 0.3 g of perfume to 100.0 g water

Example 3 Shampoo

Constituent 1: 30 g of sodium lauryl ether sulfate 8 g ofcocamidopropylbetaine 3 g of ethylene glycol distearate 0.35 g of sodiumbenzoate 0.15 g of sodium formate 0.2 g of sodium chloride to 100 gwater Constituent 2: Cationic polymer and/or perfume and/or silicone oilin an appropriate solvent or as aqueous pre-emulsion

Example 4 Sunscreen Agent

INCI/EU Wt. % Oil phase Parsol 1789 BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYL- 0.30 METHANENeo Heliopan AV/OA OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE 10.00 Hostaphat KL 340 NTRILAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE 0.60 Hostacerin DGI POLYGLYCERYL-2 SESQUIISO-0.70 STEARATE Phenoxetol PHENOXYETHANOL 1.00 Cetiol 868 OCTYL STEARATE5.00 Primol 352 MINERAL OIL 5.00 Abil Wax 9801D CETYL DIMETHICONE —Aqueous phase: Carbopol 2984 CARBOMER 0.30 Sodium hydroxide SODIUMHYDROXIDE 0.06 Glycerol, 86% GLYCEROL 5.00 Water, demineralized AQUA to100

Example 5 Sunscreen Agent

INCI/EU Wt. % Oil phase Parsol 1789 BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYL- 0.30 METHANENeo Heliopan AV/OA OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE 10.00 Hostaphat KL 340 NTRILAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE 0.60 Hostacerin DGI POLYGLYCERYL-2 SESQUIISO-0.70 STEARATE Phenoxetol PHENOXYETHANOL 1.00 Cetiol 868 OCTYL STEARATE9.00 Primol 352 MINERAL OIL — Abil Wax 9801D CETYL DIMETHICONE 1.00Aqueous phase: Carbopol 2984 CARBOMER 0.30 Sodium hydroxide SODIUMHYDROXIDE 0.06 Glycerol, 86% GLYCEROL 5.00 Water, demineralized AQUA to100

Example 6 Sunscreen Agent

INCI/EU Wt. % Lipid phase Parsol 1789 BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYL- 1.50METHANE PHB-methyl ester METHYLPARABEN 0.20 Neo Heliopan OCTYL METHOXY-10.00 AV/OA CINNAMATE Neo Heliopan OCTOCRYLENE 10.00 Type 303 Finsolv TNC12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE 2.50 Eutanol G OCTYLDODECANOL 10.00 Antaron V 216PVP/HEXADECENE 2.00 COPOLYMER Vitamin E acetate TOCOPHERYL ACETATE 0.50Perfume PERFUME 0.30 Abil Wax 9801D CETYL DIMETHICONE 0.50 Aqueousphase: Carbopol 1382 ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL 0.45 ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMERColorona Oriental MICA (and) CI 77891 0.05 Beige 17237 (and) CI 77491)Glycerol 86% GLYCEROL 5.00 Edeta BD DISODIUM EDTA 0.01 Sodium hydroxideSODIUM HYDROXIDE 0.18 D-Panthenol PANTHENOL 0.50 Water, demineralizedAQUA to 100 Dekaben LMB IODOPROPYNYL BUTYL- 0.50 CARAMATE

Example 7 O/W Body Lotion

INCI/EU Wt. % Oil phase: Paraffin oil subliquidum PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM7.50 Cetagol V CETEARYL ISONONANOATE 2.50 Avocado oil PERSEA GRATISSIMA2.00 Hostaphat 340 D TRILAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE 3.50 MethylparabenMETHYLPARABEN 0.20 Propylparaben PROPYLPARABEM 0.05 Perfume PARFUM 0.50Aqueous phase: Carbopol 2984 CARBOMER 0.30 Sodium hydroxide SODIUMHYDROXIDE 0.06 Phenoxetol PHENOXYETHANOL 0.60 Glycerol 86% GLYCEROL 5.00Water, demineralized AQUA to 100

Example 8 W/O Body Lotion

INCI/EU Wt. % Oil phase: Paraffin oil subliquidum PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM15.00 Cetiol 868 ETHYLHEXYL STEARATE 12.00 Dehymuls PGPH POLYGLYCERYL-22.00 DIPOLYHYDROXY STEARATE Zincum N29 ZINC STEARATE 0.50 Vitamin E -Acetate TOCOPHERYL ACETATE 0.50 Methylparaben METHYLPARABEN 0.20Propylparaben PROPYLPARABEN 0.05 Perfume PERFUME 0.50 Aqueous phase:Zinc sulfate 7-hydrate ZINC SULFATE Phenoxetol PHENOXYETHANOL 0.60Glycerol 86% GLYCEROL 8.00 Water, demineralized AQUA to 100

List of Reference Numerals

1 disk

2 inlet opening

3 linking channel

4 outlet opening

5 mixing zone

6 microstructure unit

7 part channel

8 recess

9 flow-through opening

10 built-in structures

11 housing

12 through-hole

12 a fluid inlet

13 additional part channel

13 a closure

14 fixing element

15 cover

16 fluid outlet

17 external container

18 a,b internal container

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A packaging system for in-situ preparation of aformulation from at least two constituents, in which said at least twoconstituents are separately stored until said formulation is prepared,wherein said packaging system comprises at least two separate storagechambers for storing said at least two constituents separately and atleast one static micromixer for mixing said at least two constituents toprepare the formulation; wherein said at least one static micromixercomprises at least one component in the form of a disk (1); wherein saiddisk (1) is provided with at least one inlet opening (2) disposed in aplane of said disk for introduction of at least one feed stream into alinking channel (3) and with at least one outlet opening (4) disposed inthe plane of said disk for outflow of the feed stream into a mixing zone(5), said at least one inlet opening (2) being connected with said atleast one outlet opening (4) in a communicating manner via said linkingchannel (3) which is disposed in the plane of said disk; and whereinsaid linking channel (3) is divided by microstructure units (6) into twoor more part channels (7) before opening into the mixing zone (5), andeach of the part channels has a respective width in a millimeter tosub-millimeter range and said width is smaller than a width of themixing zone (5).
 21. The packaging system as defined in claim 20,wherein the static micromixer comprises a system for conveying theconstituents that are kept separated until preparation of theformulation and the static micromixer comprises a housing (11) with atleast two feed stream inlets (12 a) for introduction of respective feedsto be mixed and with at least one product stream outlet (16) for aproduct stream.
 22. The packaging system as defined in claim 21, whereinthe static micromixer comprises a plurality of said disks (1) arrangedin a stack in which said disks are superposed over each other so thatsubsidiary channels communicating with said at least two feed streaminlets (12 a) are formed by said at least one inlet opening (2) of eachof said disks and the mixing zones (5) of said disks together form amain channel connected with the at least one product stream outlet (16)for carrying away a mixed product, and wherein the main channel and thesubsidiary channels extend through said stack of said disks.
 23. Thepackaging system as defined in claim 20, wherein the width of each ofthe part channels (7) is from 1 μm to 2 mm at an opening thereof intosaid mixing zone (5); and/or a ratio of a largest width of the linkingchannel (3) and/or a width of the at least one inlet opening (2) to thewidth of each of the part channels (7) is greater than 2; and/or a ratioof a length of each of the part channels (7) to the width of each of thepart channels (7) is from 1:1 to 20:1; and/or a ratio of the width ofthe mixing zone (5) to the width of each of the part channels (7) isgreater than
 2. 24. The packaging system as defined in claim 20, whereinthe at least one disk (1) additionally has at least one flow-throughopening (9).
 25. The packaging system as defined in claim 24, whereinsaid at least one inlet opening (2), said at least one flow-throughopening (9) or said mixing zone (5) is enclosed by the plane of saiddisk, and the linking channel (3) is formed by an indentation in saiddisk.
 26. The packaging system as defined in claim 24, wherein said atleast one inlet opening (2), said at least one flow-through opening (9)or said mixing zone (5) is arranged at an edge of said disk or as arecess in an edge of said disk.
 27. The packaging system as defined inclaim 20, wherein said at least one inlet opening (2) of said disk (1)comprises respective inlet openings for corresponding fluid streams, andsaid respective inlet openings are connected by corresponding linkingchannels (3) with said mixing zone (5).
 28. The packaging system asdefined in claim 20, wherein said at least one outlet opening (4)comprises respective outlet openings arranged on a circular line. 29.The packaging system as defined in claim 20, wherein said disk (1) isprovided with additional through-going openings (12) and with additionalpart channels (13) that are integrated into the microstructure units (6)and separated from the part channels (7).
 30. The packaging system asdefined in claim 22, wherein either the linking channels (3) of thedisks (1) in said stack are formed by indentations in the disks and thelinking channels (3) are divided by said microstructure units (6)disposed in the disks (1) into said part channels (7) prior to openinginto the mixing zone (5), or the linking channels (3) of the disks (1)are formed by recesses in the disks (1) of said stack, the disks arearranged as intermediate disks between a cover disk and a bottom disk,and the linking channels (3) are divided into said part channels (7) bysaid microstructure units (6) disposed on the cover disks and/or bottomdisks prior to opening into the mixing zone (5).
 31. The packagingsystem as defined in claim 20, wherein the mixing zone (5) is filled bya molded element that closes off said at least one outlet opening (4) inan idle state, and said molded element is entirely or partly removedfrom the mixing zone (5) during operation, thereby entirely or partlyopening the at least one outlet opening (4).
 32. An in-situ method ofpreparing a formulation from at least two constituents prior to use ofthe formulation, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing apackaging system comprising at least two separate storage chambers forseparately storing said at least two constituents and at least onestatic micromixer for mixing said at least two constituents to preparesaid formulation; b) storing said at least two constituents separatelyin said at least two separate storage chambers until immediately priorto the mixing; and c) mixing the at least two constituents to form theformulation immediately by means of the at least one static micromixer;wherein said at least one static micromixer is provided with at leastone component in the form of at least one disk (1); wherein said disk(1) is provided with at least one inlet opening (2) disposed in a planeof said disk for introduction of at least one feed stream into a linkingchannel (3) and with at least one outlet opening (4) disposed in theplane of said disk for outflow of the at least one feed stream into amixing zone (5), said at least one inlet opening (2) being connectedwith said at least one outlet opening (4) in a communicating manner viasaid linking channel (3) which is disposed in the plane of said disk;and wherein said linking channel (3) is divided into two or more partchannels (7) by microstructure units (6) before opening into the mixingzone (5), and each of the part channels (7) has a respective width in amillimeter to sub-millimeter range that is smaller than a width of themixing zone (5).
 33. The method as defined in claim 32, wherein the atleast one feed stream has a flow rate into the mixing zone (5) that isgreater than a flow rate of a product stream within the mixing zone (5).34. The method as defined in claim 32, wherein the formulation is amicroemulsion or a nanoemulsion.
 35. The method as defined in claim 32,wherein the static micromixer comprises a system for conveying theconstituents that are kept separated until preparation of theformulation and the static micromixer comprises a housing (11) with atleast two feed stream inlets (12 a) for introduction of respective feedsto be mixed and with at least one product stream outlet (16) for aproduct stream.
 36. The method as defined in claim 35, wherein thestatic micromixer comprises a plurality of said disks (1) arranged in astack in which said disks are superposed over each other so thatsubsidiary channels communicating with said at least two feed streaminlets (12 a) are formed by said at least one inlet opening (2) of eachof said disks and the mixing zones (5) of said disks together form amain channel connected with the at least one product stream outlet (16)for carrying away a mixed product, and wherein the main channel and thesubsidiary channels extend through said stack of said disks.
 37. Themethod as defined in claim 32, wherein the width of each of the partchannels (7) is from 1 μm to 2 mm at an opening thereof into said mixingzone (5); and/or a ratio of a largest width of the linking channel (3)and/or a width of the at least one inlet opening (2) to the width ofeach of the part channels (7) is greater than 2; and/or a ratio of alength of each of the part channels (7) to the width of each of the partchannels (7) is from 1:1 to 20:1; and/or a ratio of the width of themixing zone (5) to the width of each of the part channels (7) is greaterthan
 2. 38. The method as defined in claim 32, wherein the at least onedisk (1) additionally has at least one flow-through opening (9).
 39. Themethod as defined in claim 38, wherein said at least one inlet opening(2), said at least one flow-through opening (9) or said mixing zone (5)is enclosed by the plane of said disk, and the linking channel (3) isformed by an indentation in said disk.
 40. The method as defined inclaim 38, wherein said at least one inlet opening (2), said at least oneflow-through opening (9) or said mixing zone (5) is arranged at an edgeof said disk or as a recess in an edge of said disk.
 41. The method asdefined in claim 32, wherein said at least one inlet opening (2) of saiddisk (1) comprises respective inlet openings for corresponding fluidstreams, and said respective inlet openings are connected bycorresponding linking channels (3) with said mixing zone (5).
 42. Themethod as defined in claim 32, wherein said at least one outlet opening(4) comprises respective outlet openings arranged on a circular line.43. The method as defined in claim 32, wherein said disk (1) is providedwith additional through-going openings (12) and with additional partchannels (13) that are integrated into the microstructure units (6) andseparated from the part channels (7).
 44. The method as defined in claim34, wherein either the linking channels (3) of the disks (1) in saidstack are formed by indentations in the disks and the linking channels(3) are divided by said microstructure units (6) disposed in the disks(1) into said part channels (7) prior to opening into the mixing zone(5), or the linking channels (3) of the disks (1) are formed by recessesin the disks (1) of said stack, the disks are arranged as intermediatedisks between a cover disk and a bottom disk, and the linking channels(3) are divided into said part channels (7) by said microstructure units(6) disposed on the cover disks and/or bottom disks prior to openinginto the mixing zone (5).
 45. The method as defined in claim 32, whereinthe mixing zone (5) is filled by a molded element that closes off saidat least one outlet opening (4) in an idle state, and said moldedelement is entirely or partly removed from the mixing zone (5) duringoperation, thereby entirely or partly opening the at least one outletopening (4).
 46. The method as defined in claim 32, wherein one of theat least two constituents is a single aqueous liquid phase and the otheris a single hydrophobic liquid phase or a liquid phase containing awater-sensitive substance; or the at least two constituents comprisesubstances that react chemically or physically modify mixtureconsistence when coming into contact with each other.
 47. The method asdefined in claim 32, wherein said formulation is at least one memberselected from the group consisting of colorants, adhesives, foodstuffs,pharmaceutical agents, cosmetic agents, building materials, cleaningagents.
 48. The method as defined in claim 32, wherein said formulationis an emulsion-forming preparation and wherein said emulsion-formingpreparation contains at least one hair-care active constituent, at leastone skin-care cosmetic active constituent, at least one dermatologicalor pharmaceutical active constituent, hair-firming agent, at least onehair colorant or at least one permanent wave agent.
 49. A staticmicromixer for mixing two or more constituents to form a mixtureimmediately prior to use of the mixture, said static micromixercomprising at least one component in the form of a disk (1), and whereinsaid disk (1) is provided with at least one inlet opening (2) disposedin a plane of said disk for introduction of at least one feed streaminto a linking channel (3) and with at least one outlet opening (4)disposed in the plane of said disk for outflow of the at least one feedstream into a mixing zone (5), said at least one inlet opening (2) isconnected with said at least one outlet opening (4) in a communicatingmanner via said linking channel (3) which is disposed in the plane ofsaid disk; and wherein said linking channel (3) is divided bymicrostructure units (6) into two or more part channels (7) beforeopening into the mixing zone (5), and each of the part channels (7) hasa respective width in a millimeter to sub-millimeter range that issmaller than a width of the mixing zone (5).